Wednesday, November 26, 2014

I Want to Be Baptized, Written by Annalisa Hall, Illustrated by Corey Egbert
2014, 32p, LDS Children's
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received an e-copy from the publisher for an honest review

Help your little ones recognize the joy, responsibility, and importance of being baptized. I Want to Be Baptized – from the same author and illustrator who brought you The Holy Ghost Is like a Blanket – depicts what baptism really means for children’s lives by comparing it to objects they remember and relate to. Turn to these heartwarming illustrations and meaningful analogies next time a child asks you about baptism.

What a fantastic book! I wish this book had been around when my children were preparing for baptism. It starts with a young boy asking his sister, "Why do I need to be baptized?" She gives an explanation and he summarizes it, then asks, "What else?" They spend the day together, doing different activities and talking about baptism. I love the concept. At the end, there's a two page spread where the author emphasizes each of the nine points again with scriptures and hymns or songs from the Children's Songbook which can easily be turned into Family Home Evening lessons or daily devotionals.

I also love the illustrations! Corey Egbert illustrated another book I recently reviewed, Stars, Stocking and Shepherds by Shersta Chabot, which I also loved and, once again, I thought he did an incredible job. The pictures are fun and will easily keep a young child entertained while you read the story to them.

I haven't read The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket, but I understand it's similar so would suggest picking it up as well. They are excellent resources for preparing a child for baptism and will make excellent gifts!

Annalisa Hall was born in Rochester, MI, to Alvin and Judy Holgerson. She received a merit scholarship to the LDS Business College graduating with honors. She transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo and worked in the Harold B. Lee Library and graduated from BYU with a BA in English. She is the author of Garbage Can Graffiti, published September 2010 in the Friend. She currently lives in Poway, CA, with her husband and three children.

Corey Egbert has illustrated numerous books and publications, including The Holy Ghost is Like A Blanket by Annalisa Hall and the Niuhi Shark Saga series by Lehua Parker. He has also exhibited his work in galleries and won several awards for his handmade prints and digital illustrations.

He studied art at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah and is currently a student at Southern Virginia University where he is studying art history, classic literature and philosophy.

He lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia with his wife Natalya, son Oliver, and their cat, Rex.

He is open to any questions or comments and available for all manner of illustration jobs. Contact him at: corey.egbert@gmail.com.